Includes index.

A history of Japanese gardening -- Inspirations -- Classic garden style -- Natural materials -- Water features -- Creative constructs -- Creating a garden -- Plant directory.

This inspiring book offers expert information on how to create the perfect Japanese-style garden in any location, large or small. It presents the history of Japanese gardens and the principles underlying them. Sections on the five classic Japanese garden styles (pond gardens, dry gardens, tea gardens, stroll gardens and courtyard gardens) explain their key characteristics with practical tips on how to achieve them. Fifteen projects for creating complete Japanese gardens follows, with clear explanations, illustrations and gorgeous photography. A plant directory then details the various types of plants with advice on flowering habits and hardiness, while the final section outlines the maintenance of a Japanese garden including a calendar of care. Whether you want to develop a stroll garden in a natural space, or a small dry garden with minimal plants and rocks, this beautiful volume is an essential companion.